You may have seen different lists of the most revolutionary inventions in history that have changed human life to a considerable extent. But in my opinion, it was the invention of hand tools that triggered all these changes.

Today, we would like to discuss the history of hand tools. In particular, we will also talk about the history of gardening hand tools.

How have hand tools begun?

Tools are a means of altering raw materials in the production process. Humans' ability to use tools makes them one of the most powerful creatures of all species. Humans can change the world around it through the use of tools.

Making tools, using and upgrading them to create the desired objects is a uniquely human ability. By understanding this ability, humans have been able to achieve everything from the most basic types of life to traveling to other planets and moving at high speeds. Living with upgraded machines and tools is a very valuable accomplishment.

The role of tools in our lives

This diversity and improvement in tools has allowed us to create a wide range of work in the industry that is faster and more efficient than traditional work. Solving surrounding problems and population growth have also influenced the need for better tools. Humans are able to use tools to overcome natural disasters and do not need to relocate as often.

By studying the tools found in human life thousands of years ago, we can see the usefulness of tools, even though they were very primitive. Their diffusion allowed farmers to become industrialists.

The earliest gardening hand tools

In the history of gardening hand tools, these have not changed much since the first gardening hand tools were put into use (say thousands of years ago). Ancient weeding hoes, rakes, shovels, scythes and sickles, to name a few, are tools found all over the world.

It is only by looking at these ancient hand tools and their modern versions that we understand that these tools are essentially similar in shape and may differ in construction materials depending on the resources available at the time.

1. Rakes

The rake is said to have originated in China because agriculture and horticulture have a long history in China, when the main work of the country was to cultivate and harvest for subsistence.

2. Wheelbarrows

Wheelbarrows also originated in China, probably in the 3rd century. Archaeologists have found many paintings from that time that clearly refer to early wooden wheelbarrows. The materials may have been different from modern metal and heavy plastic, but the shape was essentially the same and did not change much throughout the era.

3. Watering tools

Humans have found samples of various watering pots and jars at the sites of ancient civilizations, showing the existence of watering tools for thousands of years in the past. Their designs may have varied, but they were all designed to bring efficiency and convenience when delivering water to plants, trees and flowers.

4. Pruning Tools

Today, a wide variety of gardening scissors and scythes are used for various purposes of pruning or cutting. In fact, this is not exclusive to the modern era. These gardening hand tools have been in use since long ago, and their shapes and uses are the same.

All in all, many tools that were common in ancient times and eras are still popular and useful, even as gardening methods have improved and evolved.